Bacterial polysaccharides are of interest in many microbiological specialties, including ecology, molecular biology, pathogenesis and industrial microbiology. These areas (and more) are covered in this timely compilation of 19 authoritative reviews, summarizing current molecular knowledge, innovations and future trends relating to these diverse macromolecules.

The editor is to be congratulated in gathering a team of international experts and in editing such a mass of information and perspectives. Although the range of polysaccharides covered is broad, the detail within individual chapters is intense, up-to-date and highly informative. Cover to cover, the book may be 'heavy-going' to the non-expert. However, the compilation format provides an opportunity to select areas of particular interest, ranging range from mycobacterium arabinogalactan to current therapies directed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. For this reason alone, the book is suitable for institutional purchase, and for research groups with interests in these complex macromolecules. The compilation will also help to broaden the horizons of young PhD students within such groups.

The short discussions on future directions at the end of each chapter are especially helpful to the non-expert. As a minor criticism, the index could not be described as comprehensive, and although the editor's preface sets the scene admirably, it is unfortunate that the book does not include a stand-alone chapter to allow the general reader to appreciate the present and future importance of these fascinating macromolecules. This book is not bedtime reading but I grew to like it.